| Local Produce Pilot Scheme To Be Launched Next Week | 1 September 2008 |
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A pilot scheme to supply the Comhairle canteen and selected schools in Lewis and Harris with locally grown fruit and vegetables and locally reared beef, lamb and pork is set to get underway The scheme will be launched at a conference in An Lanntair on Wednesday 3rd September. Local retailers and producers will take part in a day of workshops and events based around the theme of local produce. Following the conference the two week pilot project will get underway in the weeks starting the 8th and 15th September. The project has been set up to raise awareness of the variety and quality of foods grown locally. Together with the local supply at schools, talks will be held to discuss local food, livestock and crofting. The schools taking part in the pilot scheme are; Shawbost, Barvas, Bragar, Breasclete, Carloway, Lionel, Cross and Sir E Scott School, totalling about 300 pupils in the Western Isles. Cllr Archie Campbell, Chairman of Sustainable Development, said: “This is an innovative project designed to raise awareness amongst children about where their food comes from and about eating healthily. The day at An Lanntair and the pilot scheme will also be a good opportunity to focus on the requirements of those producers wishing to supply into the public sector supply chain, provide information about the supply route and identify good practice as well as areas that need more work.” The pilot scheme is being run in conjunction with Scottish Food Quality Certification Ltd (SFQC) with support funding from the Scottish Government Marketing Development Scheme and the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA). Catherine Brady, Uig based Projects Manager with SFQC, said: ‘It is exciting to see such opportunities arising for local food producers. We have superb ingredients on our doorstep, and through this project we are aiming to demonstrate that as well as producing locally, we can also supply locally. This is a sustainable and logical approach to food supply and demand and we look forward to seeing how it will operate in practice." Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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